Vadodara, June 29 (IANS) Around 81 per cent of Japanese companies operating in India are keen to make a second or third investment in the country, according to data shared at a Japan Country Seminar held in Vadodara as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference on Monday.

The seminar brought together representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Consulate General of Japan, and senior delegates from Japanese companies operating in India to review bilateral economic engagement and business outcomes.

Director General of JETRO Ahmedabad, Yu Yoshida, briefed participants on India-Japan diplomatic relations and JETRO’s role in facilitating trade and investment cooperation.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to support Japanese businesses in expanding their operations in India.

Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Hitomi Sato, said: “India and Japan share a long-standing and trusted partnership. Japan has been a partner country of Vibrant Gujarat since 2009. The partnership has supported growth in investment, technology cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.”

She also highlighted Vadodara’s industrial significance, particularly in chemicals and petrochemicals, describing it as an “important location” for Japanese industry.

Referring to recent investment activity, she cited the inauguration of a Hitachi Energy power factory at Karjan in Vadodara with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.

“Regular high-level engagement continues between the two countries and the Prime Minister of Japan is scheduled to visit India in the next two days,” she added.

Speaking at the seminar, Assistant Director of JETRO New Delhi, Sandeep Kumar, said: “1,434 Japanese companies are currently operating in India. Around 81 per cent of these companies are keen to make a second or third investment, reflecting positive business experience in the country. Japanese companies are witnessing sustained growth driven by rising domestic demand in India.”

The seminar was also attended by Toshiaki Sato, Vikas Gupta, Hardik Panchal, Kazuya Okada, Amit Chaudhary, Kazuhisa Inoue and Honorary Consul of Japan in India Mukesh Patel. The session was moderated by Director of JETRO Ahmedabad Sanchit Ozha.

–IANS

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